Jefferson Celebrates Manufacturing Going Pro Signing Day
Rookies in advanced manufacturing and the companies they’ll be working for participated in the first ever Kentucky Manufacturing Going Pro Signing Day on Friday, May 17. Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, joined Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) president Dr. Jay Box, Jefferson Community and Technical College president Dr. Ty Handy and representatives from the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) to celebrate new hires in advanced manufacturing.
Signees are recent graduates from one of seven fields that support advanced manufacturing.
- Industrial Maintenance
- Computerized Machining and Manufacturing
- Welding Technology
- Engineering and Electronics Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Computer Assisted Drafting
- Air Conditioning Technology
“What an incredible day for these graduates, their employers and for communities across the commonwealth,” said Gov. Bevin. “I commend KCTCS and KAM for spotlighting these in-demand careers and for designing opportunities like this to showcase the ambition and drive of these exceptional students. We are excited to celebrate this occasion, and we look forward to seeing these young men and women take Kentucky to new heights as America’s center for engineering and manufacturing excellence.”
KCTCS is the primary provider of manufacturing training in Kentucky. In the last year, more than 2,400 graduates were prepared to go pro in high-paying, in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing that lead to a better life. The colleges align their programs with local business needs, which prepares students to walk out of college and into a high-paying career.
“Right now, there are thousands of open positions in advanced manufacturing, and employers are having difficulty filling these jobs because of a lack of trained workers,” said KCTCS President Jay K. Box. “KCTCS is the solution to this because we offer relevant programs based on what employers tell us they need. We’re also looking at innovative ways to get our students trained and into the workforce faster.”
KCTCS has more than 300 advanced manufacturing partners statewide and 135 business partners who offer work and learn experiences through the Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (KY FAME).
“We are proud to partner with KCTCS to celebrate the individuals who received manufacturing related credentials, certificates and degrees in 2018-2019,” said KAM executive director Lee Lingo. “Manufacturing and industry are the backbone of many communities across the commonwealth and their decision to follow this path will provide them with a rewarding and satisfying career while supporting their local community. We look forward to seeing what they will accomplish!”
Thank you to following business partners who took part in the special signing event:
| DD Williams | KCC | Elizabeth Schue and Kniss |
| Berry Global | Aliant Technologies | Roll Forming |
| Jones Plastics | Nucor | Blandford Machine |
| Clariant | LG&E | Machine and Components Industries |
| GEA | Bemis North America | C & S |
Although salaries vary by job and company, the Statewide Occupational Employment Wages data provided by the Kentucky Center for Statistics shows the average starting salary is nearly $34,000 with a median annual salary of $51,000.
More information and videos from the event are available at the Going Pro website.
